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Japan's First Female PM Calls February Elections Amid Opposition

1/18/2026

49 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, with 78% approval, calls for early parliamentary elections in February—the first winter vote in 36 years.
She seeks to solidify her position and potentially regain an absolute majority for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The opposition formed a Centrist Reform Union to unite against Takaichi's government, while Komeito's loss could threaten the LDP's seats.

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Story summary

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, with 78% approval, calls for early parliamentary elections in February—the first winter vote in 36 years.
She seeks to solidify her position and potentially regain an absolute majority for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The opposition formed a Centrist Reform Union to unite against Takaichi's government, while Komeito's loss could threaten the LDP's seats.